INDUSTRY NEWS
Zark Series A to Ignite Expansion of Multifamily Solutions
by Darcey Leach
Zark announced the successful closing of its Series A funding round, led by Baleon Capital, to fuel growth and innovation in the multifamily space. The platform empowers residents and guests to reserve parking, storage and other rentable amenities via a user-friendly web app, simplifying payments and boosting ancillary revenue. With this funding, Zark plans to expand its new Rentable Items solution.
Read the article in The Multifamily Journal
SmartRent Announces Frank Martell as President and CEO
by Doug Pike
SmartRent has appointed veteran industry leader Frank Martell as President and CEO, effective immediately. Martell, a board member since June 2024, brings over 30 years of experience, including roles at loanDepot and CoreLogic, with a proven record in data-driven innovation.
Nine Renters for Every Vacancy Signal Ongoing Shortage
by Kristen Smithberg
The multifamily market remains fiercely competitive, with nine renters vying for each vacant unit. Despite record construction in 2024, vacancy eased in only 8% of major markets. Rentals are averaging 46 days on the market and the national occupancy remains around 93.3%.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
NAREE Special Report: Renters Stay Renters for Longer
by Therese Fitzgerald
NAREE’s latest report highlights that renters are staying in place longer, driven by challenges in housing affordability. Mortgage down payments have more than doubled, pushing the average renter’s age from 36 in 2000 to 42 in 2025. Many individuals and growing households are opting for single-family rentals instead of buying, with down payments averaging around $70,000 or higher in expensive metros.
Read the article in Multi-Housing News
How Value-Engineering and Other Strategies Pare Costs
by Barbara Ballinger
Developers and property managers are adopting cost-saving strategies like value engineering to offset rising expenses in land, materials and operations. By reevaluating designs and specifications, teams prioritize essential functions, streamline material use and preserve quality without compromise.
Hoarding: What Every New Team Member Should Know
by Kathi Williams
Housing team members should recognize hoarding as a mental health issue, not just clutter. Hoarding can create serious safety, hygiene and legal risks, and may qualify for accommodations under the Fair Housing Act. Training is essential for knowing how to respond, refer and support residents.
MULTIFAMILY TECHNOLOGY
The Complexities of Invoice Coding in Multifamily
by David Stifter
Invoice coding in multifamily finance is rife with inefficiencies, including manual data entry errors and costly invoice misclassifications, which delay payments and inflate costs. AI-powered coding engines automate invoice categorization, boosting accuracy to nearly 99%, reducing labor and streamlining AP workflows. Operators can gain real-time financial visibility and long-term resilience by modernizing.
Read the article in The Multifamily Journal
AI Takes Center Stage at Apartmentalize 2025
by Christine Serlin
Proptech innovators unveiled an array of advanced tools to enhance operations at NAA Apartmentalize 2025. Solutions included SmartRent’s AI-powered intelligence layer and enhanced energy management tools to help operators make informed decisions around utility waste reductions and cost-cutting.
Kick-Start a New Community: Steps Every Lease-Up Needs
by Caroline Mills
In the first 90 days of a lease‑up, hitting three key milestones is vital—set the tone with branding and marketing, build buzz through leasing events and incentives, and streamline operations via an experienced team and clear processes. These steps establish a foundation for leasing goals and long-term success.